Fri Dec 13 18:03:39 UTC 2024: ## Rahane’s Masterclass Propels Mumbai into Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Final

**Bengaluru, India** – Ajinkya Rahane’s breathtaking 98 off just 56 balls powered Mumbai to a commanding six-wicket victory over Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) semi-final at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday. The win sends Mumbai into the final.

Rahane, who has been in outstanding form throughout the tournament, fell just two runs short of a century, but his explosive innings, studded with 11 boundaries and five sixes, laid the foundation for Mumbai’s successful chase of 158. He and captain Shreyas Iyer (46 off 30) shared an 88-run partnership that effectively sealed the match, with Mumbai reaching the target with 16 balls to spare. Suryakumar Yadav and Suryansh Shedge also contributed to the comfortable win, the latter hitting the winning six.

Earlier, Mumbai’s disciplined bowling restricted Baroda to a modest 158/7. While Krunal Pandya (30) and Shashwat Rawat (33) provided a solid start, a collapse triggered by Suryansh Shedge (2-11) left Baroda struggling at 103/6. Late contributions from Atit Sheth (26*) and Shivalik Sharma (21) couldn’t prevent Mumbai’s comfortable win.

**Brief Scores:** Baroda 158/7 (Shashwat Rawat 33, Shivalik Sharma 21; Suryansh Shedge 2-11) lost to Mumbai 164/4 (Ajinkya Rahane 98, Shreyas Iyer 46) by 6 wickets.

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